Greatest Rugby World Cup XV: hooker profiles - Mario Ledesma

Mario Ledesma’s workaholic approach to the game has rendered him the driving
force behind Argentina’s impressive pack. A tireless, committed individual
with ability at set-pieces, the 38-year-old hooker would be a useful
addition to any side.

Ledesma's World Cup experience with Argentina amounts to three tournaments - they sneaked through the group stages to make the quarter-finals in 1999, narrowly missed the second round in Australia in 2003 and achieved an impressive third-place finish in 2007.

He played a pivotal role in all three campaigns, most notably in France four years ago when his energetic displays helped Argentina dominate in the forward department, and he's in the provisional squad for this year's tournament.

The Buenos Aires-born hooker made his Test debut against fellow South Americans Uruguay in 1996 and it didn’t take long for his leadership skills to be noticed. Within two years he was captaining his country against Japan.